Photography by Tara L. Callow
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. John Allegretti

The three season porch is easily accessed from the dining area. While entertaining, this space keeps the hostess connected to her guests. The view is a field of trees and wild flowers. The carpet is Beaulieu Smoothe Ave in Midnight. This view features customer Hunter Douglas roller shades for shade and the concessional privacy.

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Dallas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Love the Layout of this house. They used the Maxim Lighting Under cabinet (CounterMax) LED lighting to illuminate the countertops as well the Glimmer pendants in the formal dinning room.

The studio was built on a tight budget. This bathroom was outfitted with an ikea sink and cabinet, Toto toilet and custom shower. The money in this bathroom was spent in the custom tiled shower rather than the vanity. A vanity is more easily replaced in the future with a more expensive fixture. Bray Hayden Photography and H2D Architecture + Design

The PLJW 185 is one of our most popular range hoods. At just five inches tall, it is exceptionally low profile and lightweight, perfect for the average cook. It pulls 600 CFM, which is great for those who cook daily. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters are easily removable and quick to clean. Two LED lights provide you with optimal coverage for your cooktop – and they'll last you years! For more information on this product, check out the product pages here: https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=185

The low profile and plush back cushions of the Oasis outdoor sofa are perfect for lounging, while subtle flange seams add a look of casual sophistication. You’ll appreciate its supportive feel and the option to arrange the pillows for your comfort. The marine-grade plywood frame, antimicrobial foam and worry-free Sunbrella® fabric brings you the best in outdoor performance. Zippered back pillow covers are easily removed for machine washing (or simply rinse off everything with your garden hose). Oasis has a flexible design that allows you to combine sofas, chairs and chaises to create sectionals for outdoor entertaining and lounging. Whether you use pieces together or on their own, Oasis is made for modern outdoor comfort.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

"Plissee" (pleated) shades come in over 260 fabrics and styles. Ideal for tilt and turn windows and doors, single and dual operation pleated shades. Unobtrusive mounting options allow windows and doors to easily tilt or open, even when the blinds are closed. Installation options include: between glazing bead installation, face mount installation, clamp or adhesive mounting (screw less). They can also be ordered for unusually shaped windows, folding and patio doors. All shades are made to measure by the millimeter to ensure a perfect fit. MHZ Fabric pleated shades help create an elegant and beautiful living space. These soft yet durable window and door coverings come in hundreds of colors. The fabrics are woven and dyed in Germany using a 'refined weave' technology, giving it surprising structures, transparencies and effects. Almost all of the fabrics comply with the OEKO-TEK Standard 100, which stands for harmlessness to health. - all images by MHZ Hachtel GmBH

The Maya Collection is a modular seating system comprising a number of pieces that can be configured in multiple variations, allowing for endless possibilities of composition and dimension. Highly versatile and scalable, it is ideal for large public spaces such as the open areas by the poolside, loggia, or smaller configurations to fit a terrace or veranda. The pieces can be easily and quickly rearranged to fit the space, function or event, making it as intimate or as large scaled as necessary. The pieces can be made into configurations as simple as a love seat or large daybed, to large seating configurations that can be made to accommodate “parties” large or small. The low profile of its modular design with wide (6") wrap around armrest provides functionality with ample space for drinks yet sturdy enough to be sat or leaned on, a feature that many will find readily appealing for casual parties and events. The Maya 6 pc Deep Seating Teak Set features: 1 left sectional, 1 Corner Sectional, 2 slipper chairs, 1 ottoman/coffee table (cushion not included for the ottoman), and 1 side table. Cushions made with Quick Dry Foam® core and 100% solution dyed Sunbrella fabrics. Crafted with SVLK certified Grade A Teak, harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use. Optional Teak Finishes available.

Arbor's smooth profile is tailored to perfection. The slight flare of the handle and the curve of the spout make this a transitional look that works with a variety of decorating styles, while Moen’s MotionSense Wave™ touchless technology offers hands-free convenience. Faucets with MotionSense Wave feature a single-sensor touchless activation, allowing users to easily turn water on and off with the wave of a hand. 1. featuring single-sensor touchless activation, MotionSense wave™ allows you to easily turn water on and off with the wave of a hand. no need to touch the faucet with dirty or wet hands. 2. Spot Resist™ stainless finish resists fingerprints and water spots for a cleaner looking kitchen 3. Power Clean™ spray technology provides 50 percent more spray power versus most of our pulldown and pullout faucets without the Power Clean™ technology. 4. equipped with the Reflex™ system for smooth operation, easy movement and secure docking of the pulldown/pullout spray head 5. faucet pulldown hose offers flexible water delivery and hose retracts with ease 6. features Duralock™ quick connect system for easy installation 7. one-handle lever handle makes it easy to adjust the water 8. aerated stream for everyday cleaning; powerful rinse for heavy-duty cleaning; pause function lets you conveniently stop water flow from the spray head 9. single hole mount creates a cleaner look against custom countertops 10. complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications 11. meets current legislation, including ab1953 (california) and s152 (vermont) 12. 5 year warranty on digital components; limited lifetime trim warranty

Above the town of Twisp in the Methow Valley lies this two-bedroom residence that features 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The low-profile, single-story home at 1,352 square feet is designed to maximize views, natural light, and efficient living space within its modest footprint. With large windows and an open floor plan, the home is intimately connected to the surrounding landscape. The great room is focused on gathering, food preparation, shared meals, socializing, and relaxing. Crafted with snowy conditions in mind, the house features a straightforward metal roof that holds snow and fully covers walkways while also providing shade for outdoor living spaces from the hot summer sun. The carefully planned entries are easily accessible and safe. The exterior is clad in weathering steel panels that are durable and almost no maintenance is required from the homeowners. A generously sized, detached garage creates extra space for the family to store gear for year-round activities in the Methow.

Example of a trendy u-shaped gray floor kitchen design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

The PLJW 185 is one of our most popular range hoods. At just five inches tall, it is exceptionally low profile and lightweight, perfect for the average cook. It pulls 600 CFM, which is great for those who cook daily. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters are easily removable and quick to clean. Two LED lights provide you with optimal coverage for your cooktop – and they'll last you years! For more information on this product, check out the product pages here: https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=185

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Portland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and marble backsplash